The aim of this study was to estimate dental treatment need in groups of Chilean and Polish refugees in Sweden. Of the Nordic countries, Sweden accepts the greatest number of refugees. An average of 5000 refugees arrived annually in 1981-85, increasing to 15,000 during 1986-87. Refugees and their families now comprise 93% of non-Nordic immigration. In 1981-83 a sample of 193 Chilean and 92 Polish refugees in the county of Stockholm was selected for this study. Dental treatment needs were calculated in accordance with CPITN and the working study of Swedish dentistry, which formed the basis for the Swedish scale of dental fees for the National Dental Insurance Scheme. The estimated mean treatment time (±SD) in the Chilean sample was 6.9 ± 2.3 h and in the Polish group 8.4 ± 3.0; in comparison with estimated treatment needs in a Swedish material, both would be classified as extreme risk groups. There was no correlation between the number of months in Sweden and the estimated treatment needs. The results indicate a cumulative, unmet need for dental care in these groups. Barriers to ensuring adequate health care for immigrants persist; special outreach programmes, conducted by dental health personnel, may be an effective means of introducing immigrants to the Swedish dental care system. © 1990 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.

immigrants clinical study Prosthetic treatment Restorative treatment Periapical lesions Periodontal treatment Dental health care

dental health refugee methodology human Periodontal Diseases Refugees Poland dentistry Dental Restoration, Permanent periodontal disease orthodontics Root Canal Therapy Health Services Needs and Demand Sweden Dental Care health services research male female dental caries Periodontal Index Article major clinical study adult Chile Dentures